Rado - Marco Polo 747 - No reserve price - 11837/1 - Men - 1972

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rado Marco Polo 747 is a striking example of 1970s Swiss design, combining a bold aviation-inspired moniker with the elegant, avant-garde styling Rado is renowned for. With its distinct gold-tone tonneau case, vertical brushed dial, and the signature rotating anchor logo, this timepiece captures the adventurous spirit of its era while remaining a sophisticated dress watch for the modern collector. Brand: Rado Model: Marco Polo 747 Reference Number: 11837/1 Serial Number: G36181695 Movement: Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Gold vertical brushed with rotating anchor Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated / Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, with well-preserved dial, strong case definition, and sharp engravings. Timegrapher result indicates a variance of approximately -22 to -27 seconds per day, reflecting a healthy movement performance within vintage standards. Dial and Hands The dial is a highlight of this timepiece, featuring a rich champagne gold tone with a subtle vertical brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied block hour markers featuring black centers for contrast. The signature Rado anchor logo at 9 o'clock rotates freely, a beloved quirky feature of the brand's automatic models. A framed date window sits at the 3 o'clock position, displaying distinct red numerals. The gold-tone baton hands are filled with black inlays, matching the indices perfectly and ensuring excellent legibility. The text is crisp and the overall preservation of the dial is exceptional. Case and Crystal The 36mm case features a tonneau or C-shape design characteristic of the early 1970s, finished in gold plating that remains in very attractive condition. The distinct lines and bevels of the case flank the dial, creating a robust yet dressy profile. The crown is signed with the Rado anchor symbol. The caseback is stainless steel and features the intricate three-seahorse engraving, the Marco Polo model designation, and the reference number, all deep and clearly visible. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering the watch is a Rado-signed Swiss automatic movement with 25 jewels. The gold-tone rotor is decorated with the anchor logo. The movement is clean and visually impressive. Timegrapher testing indicates a variance of approximately -22 to -27 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement operating within acceptable vintage parameters for a watch of this age. Strap The watch is fitted with a reddish-brown leather strap featuring a distinct patterned grain and black edge stitching. The color complements the gold tones of the case and dial, enhancing the vintage appeal of the piece. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is pristine with no visible staining or aging. The gold-plated case shows only minor signs of handling and light wear consistent with careful usage over the decades. The caseback engravings are sharp. The movement is functioning reliably. Overall, the watch demonstrates remarkable care, with all original detailing superbly preserved and accurately reflecting Rado’s high standards of the era. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36mm excluding the crown, the watch offers a classic mid-size profile that sits comfortably on the wrist, typical of the dress-sport watches from this period. Remarks The Marco Polo 747 is a fascinating model within the Rado catalog, blending the explorer theme of the "Marco Polo" line with the "747" branding that likely pays homage to the jet age dominance of the Boeing 747 in the early 1970s. This combination of history, unique design elements like the rotating anchor, and the vibrant gold aesthetic makes it a compelling choice for collectors looking for a conversation piece with genuine Swiss heritage. History Rado was founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co. but began selling watches under the Rado brand in the 1950s. By the 1960s and 70s, they had established themselves as pioneers in materials and unconventional designs. The Marco Polo line was introduced to celebrate exploration and durability, often featuring Rado's patented water-sealing technology. This specific era of Rado is celebrated for its bold case shapes and the widespread introduction of the rotating anchor symbol on automatic movements, meant to indicate when the watch needed service if the anchor stopped spinning freely. / Second Vintage SKU: RAD-RMP-0007